How to solve the NYT connections sports edition puzzle

NYT Connections is a daily word-categorization game where players must organize 16 words into four groups of four based on shared, often subtle, thematic links. The Sports Edition variant applies this logic specifically to athletic terminology, team histories, and industry-related vocabulary. Mastering these puzzles requires a combination of lateral thinking, sports trivia knowledge, and the ability to spot linguistic patterns like anagrams.

How to approach the grid

To solve a Connections puzzle effectively, you must first scan the 16 words for obvious overlaps. Often, the game includes "red herrings"—words that seem to fit into two different categories to intentionally mislead you. According to the New York Times game design documentation, each word has exactly one correct placement within the four designated groups.

Analyze the board for obvious associations: Look for proper nouns, verb forms, or specific sports terminology that stand out.

Identify the categories by theme: Groupings can be based on factual data (like team names) or linguistic properties (like anagrams).

Test your connections: If you choose four words and receive an "incorrect" notification, analyze why those words might have been grouped together incorrectly. This helps you identify the "trap" words.

Save the most difficult category for last: The game ranks categories by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple being the most challenging. If you are stuck, solving the easier categories first will narrow your remaining options.